Matt Lindland wants a shot at Vitor Belfort

Fresh off his unanimous decision victory over Fabio Negao at Affliction: Banned, former Olympic silver medalist Matt Lindland already has designs on his next opponent.

“I would love to fight (Vitor) Belfort,” Lindland is quoted as saying by Gary Herman of CBSSports.com. “He’s a legend in the sport. I respect him a lot. To get in the ring with a guy like him would be great.”

Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, won his first bout at middleweight during the undercard portion of “Banned” this past Saturday. Fighting against Terry Martin in a bout televised on Fox Sports Net, the native Brazilian knocked out Martin at 3:12 of round 2.

I think we all saw this fight coming but that doesn't make it any more compelling. Vitor hasn't beat anybody in years, and don't tell me Terry Martin is somebody, and Lindland is a top 10 MW. It might be boring, it might be predictable but Lindland will win this fight in undeniable fashion.

ohiostate1016

7/25/08 7:33:54AM

Posted by IriShame

I think we all saw this fight coming but that doesn't make it any more compelling. Vitor hasn't beat anybody in years, and don't tell me Terry Martin is somebody, and Lindland is a top 10 MW. It might be boring, it might be predictable but Lindland will win this fight in undeniable fashion.

This is word-for-word what I was going to say. This guy must be my twin.

Mackavelli

7/25/08 7:58:46AM

I agree. i think it will look a lot like henderson vs belfort.

stock

7/25/08 10:17:43AM

Posted by ohiostate1016

Posted by IriShame

I think we all saw this fight coming but that doesn't make it any more compelling. Vitor hasn't beat anybody in years, and don't tell me Terry Martin is somebody, and Lindland is a top 10 MW. It might be boring, it might be predictable but Lindland will win this fight in undeniable fashion.

This is word-for-word what I was going to say. This guy must be my twin.

Thirded.

jocka

7/25/08 10:35:54AM

That fight will be boring if it happends, UD for Lindland but man this fight is gonna suck.

Darnok

7/25/08 10:58:22AM

I agree that Lindland will probably just hold Vitor down.

But that said I hope Vitor KO's him in the first 1min.

wrona666

7/25/08 11:06:47AM

Unless Vitor can pull off a quick KO i dont see him winning this fight......I want him to win, but i see Lindland via lay and pray....

Lindland is thinking this will play out like Belfort's fight against Henderson, where Henderson was taking Belfort down at will. If Lindland allows himself to get hit in the face like he did in last fight, Belfort will send him through the ropes. I think the majority of fans will be pulling for Belfort in this fight.

roman

7/25/08 2:17:58PM

Posted by MMAcca

I would love for The Phenom to take this but i fear Lindland will just try to hold Vitor down for 3 rounds.

This may happen at Affliction 3 to give Vitor's hand time to heal.

Not sure on the result though.

I think either Lindland via boring UD or Belfort via 1st round KO/TKO

Not sure if I agree that it will be boring but I gurantee Lindland will be devastating.

ncordless

7/25/08 2:48:47PM

My early prediction is that Lindland will break Vitor's will with takedowns and grind him into the canvas. If it's a championship fight, I think Lindland will KO Vitor eventually. If it's only three rounds then Lindland by dominating, albeit boring UD.

postman

7/25/08 7:22:55PM

2 weeks ago I would agree with most saying Linland would grind out a win but after his last fight I think he showed he has a large layer of ring rust on him and at his age and with the political career going on I don't know if he will be able to get in the shape he needs to be in to win this fight. He took alot of punches in that last fight if he lets Vitor hit him like that it will be lights out.

mrsmiley

7/25/08 7:43:26PM

Posted by postman

2 weeks ago I would agree with most saying Linland would grind out a win but after his last fight I think he showed he has a large layer of ring rust on him and at his age and with the political career going on I don't know if he will be able to get in the shape he needs to be in to win this fight. He took alot of punches in that last fight if he lets Vitor hit him like that it will be lights out.

I'm inclined to agree with you.

I say Vitor round 2.

RIP Lindland.

Bowen50

7/25/08 8:08:19PM

this is a very tough fight to call. i'd be rooting for Vitor but i think Lindland would win a UD

bls1919

7/25/08 11:22:42PM

Two years ago this fight would have ben the shit. now thouogh Linland is a out of shape politician. And Vitor is looking like he is getting bak to his old ways at a lighter weight. i hope linland gets what he wishes for. Belfort vis TKO early 2nd

Bloodhound

7/26/08 6:11:42PM

i would like to see this fight although i think Vitor Belfort would beat him with no problem